People buying stands should not make the mistake of thinking that a large
piece of land will always be more valuable than a smaller one. In fact
the opposite is often true.

So says Homenet CEO Martin Schultheiss who notes: Sometimes less
is actually more, depending on where the stand is located, how accessible
it is and how easy it is to build on.

For example, a large stand located on a steep slope which is difficult
to develop and maintain may well put potential buyers off, while smaller
stands in the same neighbourhood that are level attract a lot of interest
and sell for higher prices because they are much easier to develop.

Generally, he says, within a suburb where all the stands are level, those
homes with the largest usable garden area will fetch the best prices.
High-income buyers in particular will often pay a premium for such properties
as they want to ensure their privacy and have space to raise a family.

Similarly, a large, level stand that ensures that other homes cannot
encroach on a sea or mountain view, or which can be subdivided and sold
off later, will add substantial value to most homes.

But large grounds are by their very nature more difficult to maintain
and can present a security risk, which is why there are many these days
who prefer smaller stands. And busy professionals who constantly commute
dont in any case have the time to maintain or enjoy a large garden.

One way or another though, stand size, shape and layout will always affect
the re-sale value of a property so buyers should check out local demand
and preferences before committing to any purchase, says Schultheiss.